MONSOON MAYHEM


MONSOON MAYHEM

A restaurant in Bole creatively adorned its ceilings with inverted umbrellas, a playful nod to the rainy season. The country experiences two primary rainy periods: Kiremt, the main season accounting for up to 80pc of annual rainfall, and Belg, a shorter period. Although Kiremt spans from June to September, its patterns fluctuate yearly due to climate change and natural weather cycles. While crucial for agriculture, which sustains the majority of the population, the heavy rains can also trigger devastating consequences like flooding and landslides. The recent catastrophic landslide in Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia Regional State which struck on July 24, 2024, was the result of intense rain showers in the Gezi Gofa wereda, claiming nearly 257 lives, according to aid agencies.

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In-Picture

YELLOW SIGNAL

Forget flashy billboards and painted signs. In Mekelle, a single yellow jerrycan resting on a dusty curb does the job just fine. It's the new language of the street—simple, unmistakable, and profitable. The written note tells motorists that petrol is available, but not at the government rate. At 200 Br a litre, the markup is steep, yet demand remains constant. Across Ethiopia's regional cities, this quiet trade fills the gap left by formal distribution channels. What began as a stopgap has bec...


In-Picture

MARKET MOMENTUM

At the Sheraton, delegates from across Africa joined Minister of Revenues Aynalem Nigussie as she cut the ribbon to launch the Africa Export Competitiveness Report 2024. A bright red ribbon sliced across a bold yellow banner, symbolising ambition and renewal. Dressed in an elegant Habesha qemis, Aynalem brought heritage to the moment, bridging tradition and progress. Applause filled the room, a mix of pride and promise marking a confident step forward for Africa's trade future...


In-Picture

SILENT ANCHOR

A student from Addis Abeba University carries the university's logo across his chest, guiding newcomers with quiet authority. The sun does not only shine on him—it radiates from within. His silence speaks volumes, a calm confidence rooted in belonging to something larger. Around him, life moves on: mothers carrying children, curious youngsters exploring, a nonchalant man in sunglasses and a bright blue shirt weaving through the crowd, yet he remains steadfast, a silent anchor amid the bustle...